Now before we tell you where to get cheongsams in Malaysia, here are some tips on how to jazz up a traditional cheongsam!

Pictures courtesy of fantastic_wardrobe

When it comes to Chinese New Year, there is certainly a lot to look forward to.  Undeniably, one of the regular and some even consider traditional activities not to be missed which we, particularly women, look forward to the most, is the shopping for a brand new wardrobe.  With this season’s fashionable trends, there is so much to choose from- skinny jeans, tunic tops, summer dresses, high-waist skirts, preppy vests and so on.  The choices can sometimes be overwhelming, especially if you’re the kind who loves everything and anything.

This Chinese New Year, instead of going all out to be the chic fashionista, why not go back to your roots and opt for the traditional chinese oufit- the Cheongsam, also known as Qi Pao.  It may be stereotypical to say that many people do not think of donning one because of the notion attached to it being old-fashioned.  But nowadays, just as everything else is becoming objects of modernization, so are these traditional Chinese clothes.  Cheongsams have been changing from era to era.

One of the most common reasons for one to not own a Cheongsam or not wish to wear one is because of the idea that it is only suitable for Chinese New Year, and therefore will only be worn very rarely.  However, with the many designs and different cuttings of Cheongsam nowadays, with a little creativity they can be worn more than just once a year.

Firstly, the key is to find one which suits your daily style of dressing.  If you are worried that you won’t be able to wear your Qi Pao out when the New Year season is over, don’t buy one which is too lavish or striking, no matter how much you love it.  You won’t be able to stretch your dollar.  Cheongsam blouses are a very good option, or knee length ones.

The safest bet is to wear an outer garment over your Cheongsam.  Longer length ones, worn as dresses, can work well as formal wear with a blazer, jacket, cardigan, bolero or coat over them.  However, always make sure that the outfit is appropriate for the occasion, such as avoiding high-slits or low cut fronts for a formal context.

           Pictures courtesy of fantastic_wardrobe

    For a refreshing twist, wear your brocade garment as a jacket itself.  If it is sleeveless, you can also wear it over a top ala pinafore style

.

Unique designs from Mayfair

More ornamate Cheongsam can be worn to formal functions such as a wedding dinner, company party, launching events and such.  To add more elegance, throw a shawl or cape over it.  Again, remember that moderation is always the key.  Don’t dress to upstage the bride or be overdressed for a casual gathering.

A picture of elegance

If you want to avoid looking too mature for your age, try a knee length dress paired with tights or high socks.  Afraid of looking too cosplay-ish? Put on that cropped jacket or, alternatively, throw on a crisp, button-up blouse and tie it at the waist or cinche it with a belt.  The floral and oriental prints of the Cheongsam will make it a very attention-grabbing outfit.

Pictures from fantastic_wardrobe

Finally, the easiest, most common way of dressing down the Cheongsam is to simply pair it with jeans, capri pants, linen trousers, a denim skirt and the like.

A Mayfair design

Where to get Cheongsams in Malaysia? 

A few suggestions of where to get such beautiful traditional wear include Mayfair, as samples can be seen in the few examples above, located at Level 2, KLCC, and Aseana, also at KLCC.  A few shops at Midvalley also offer this range of attire, mainly E’tho, which also carries other cultural garments like batik tops, and Qilin, known for its array of Cheongsam.

     Now, Happy Chinese New Year, and get shopping!

//ps: Do you girls know of any other places that sells cheongsams? Share with us by commenting! 

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